Arnot Maple Staff

Maple Program Staff

Arnot Research Forest

Stephen Childs

Cornell Maple Program Director
New York Maple Specialist

Stephen Childs is a New York State Maple Specialist providing educational instruction and resources to maple producers in New York State. His focus areas include sustainable forest sugar bush management, sap collection and processing technology, product quality improvement and grading, and value added product development.

Aaron Wightman

Maple Specialist and Extension Associate

M.F. Forestry, Virginia Tech
B.A. Biology, Cornell University

Aaron conducts research in all aspects of maple production and marketing. He also supports the operation of our 6,000 tap sugarbush, and participates in extension and educational programs. Aaron’s research interests include improved sap handling processes, maple-based sports supplements, integrating sugarbush silviculture with songbird habitat management, and the development of maple beer, wine and distilled spirits.

Matthew Millick

Maple Technician

Matt has over 15 years of experience in maple production in the Arnot Research Forest. His position emphasizes sugarhouse operations, system maintenance, sugarbush management and quality control. He has also worked as a forestry technician and assisted with agroforestry activities at the Arnot.